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First Times: Good Signs

Today’s writers advice is aimed mainly at amateurs but may be helpful to those who may hope to go pro some day. There comes a point in any piece of writing intended for an audience beyond oneself when one has to decide who to show it to.

In some cases this is an amateur thing. Should I read at the local Poetry Slam? Do I dare read my poem aloud to someone I love?

Maybe you have joined a writers group: Are you ready to expose your work to the others?

It is normally a good sign when anyone feels ready and able to show and share their work. The reason it is scary is because it opens one up to criticism which, even when constructive, can be upsetting.

For budding and hopeful professionals being ready to show and share one’s work usually means sending it to the editor or to the agent at the publication or publishing house and see if they say yes and buy it or no. If one is fortunate when they say no, they may indicate why which is a form of constructive criticism.